“Blitz” is the sole Apple production that reached the Oscars shortlist
The nominees for the 97th Academy Awards have been unveiled, and it appears that Apple TV+ will not be securing another Best Picture Oscar this time around due to a lack of effort.
Apple has made history as the first streaming service to win an Oscar for Best Picture with “CODA,” but it seems unlikely to repeat this feat in 2025. Unlike Netflix, Apple hasn’t shown much ambition in its awards strategy this cycle.
This isn’t simply indicated by their absence from nominations; rather, it’s clear from Apple’s promotional undertakings leading up to awards season. Typically, studios engage in campaigns dubbed ”For Your Consideration,” encouraging Academy voters to take note of significant films. This year, Apple promoted four titles: “Blitz,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” and two documentaries— “Bread and Roses” and “The Last of the Sea Women.”
Among these efforts, “Blitz” managed to land on the shortlist across three categories—Original Score, Original Song, and Sound—as announced by the Academy in December 2024.
While it’s evident Apple showed some interest in competing for Oscars with “Blitz,” other measures effectively excluded its films from consideration. Additionally, recent adjustments by the Academy regarding eligibility seem tilted toward traditional theatrical releases over those from streaming platforms.
According to updated eligibility rules, films are required first to premiere with a week-long theatrical release in one of six designated cities within the US. Following this initial showing, they must enjoy an extended run over seven additional days (not necessarily consecutive) across ten of America’s top fifty markets within forty-five days following their original launch.
It remains uncertain if all of Apple’s cinematic endeavors for 2024 were designed with qualifying theatrical releases in mind; however, at least one was intended for broader exposure. The star-studded film “Wolfs,” featuring George Clooney and Brad Pitt took pay cuts specifically so it could receive a wide release—yet that did not happen as planned.
Unfortunately for “Wolfs,” its actual theatrical run was limited—a mere week across several hundred locations—which likely led Apple to sideline it from Oscar contention along with numerous other productions.
A Different Approach: Netflix’s Drive for Recognition
In stark contrast stands Netflix’s aggressive pursuit of Oscar accolades. Their dedicated “For Your Consideration” campaign highlighted a massive twenty-three films spanning various categories—including animation and documentaries—for consideration at this year’s ceremony.
This determined push yielded impressive results: Netflix secured eighteen nominations at the upcoming 97th Academy Awards.
Unlike Apple’s approach which is primarily about original productions or acquisition deals globally, Netflix often engages widely through distribution agreements. For instance, while nominated for Best Animated Feature Film with “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl”—an Aardman Animation project aired on BBC—they only hold distribution rights outside of its home market UK territory.
Moreover, Netflix stands poised as a contender for Best Picture honors through French movie “Emilia Perez,” which gathered thirteen nominations overall contributing significantly toward making history as having distributed multiple non-English projects nominated during Oscars’ tenure!
The Diverging Paths: Why Netflix Presses On While Apple’s Strategy Wanes
Although a French project faces stiff competition against heavyweights like “Wicked,” “Dune: Part Two”, or “A Complete Unknown”, there’s little doubt that Netflix will remain resolute going into future ceremonies slated news pursuing accolades such next year’s event schedule set ahead towards 2026!
Meanwhile there appears glimmers where perhaps ,just maybe ,Apple too looks prepared give attempts another shot! The anticipated automotive film “F1”, featuring none other than Brad Pitt himself debuts sometime throughout calendar year( imagine seeking advice what folks might see next…).Such release occasions check tests whether returns worthy undertaking investing theatrically repositions future filmmaking vision entice audiences excitedly eagerly await what lies ahead creatively more innovative approaches introduce opportunities expansion potential growth undoubtedly contribute sustainable sources profitability .
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